Indiana’s 4.4 percent October unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since August 2001, according to data released today by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

The unemployment rate dropped from 4.5 percent in September, and the state has added 90,000 jobs since January 2013.

Indiana tied with Ohio for the lowest unemployment rate in the Midwest for October. It also fell below the national unemployment average, which is 5 percent.

“Indiana’s labor force growth since January of 2013 continues to outpace all other Midwest states,” Steven J. Braun, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, said in a statement.

The manufacturing sector added 5,400 jobs and the private educational and health industry added 2,900 workers last month. Trade, transportation and utilities lost 3,800 jobs and professional and business services lost 1,900 workers.

Private sector employment is 12,800 jobs above peak levels recorded in March 2000.

"Once again we are seeing remarkable labor market performance in Indiana, with numbers ranking in the top 10 across our major sectors," Ball State University economist Michael Hicks said. "Overall, the October national job report was good, and Indiana was still a standout."

Other highlights from the jobs report include: 200 jobs added in financial activities, 900 jobs lost in leisure and hospitality, and 600 jobs lost in construction.

“This encouraging news demonstrates the strength of the Hoosier economy and our dedicated workforce,” Republican Gov. Mike Pence said in a statement.

State Democrats said Hoosiers deserve higher wages in the new jobs being created.

"Mike Pence believes that a job is a job regardless of what this could mean for a single mother raising two kids or a family of four struggling to pay off a mortgage," Indiana Democratic Party spokesman Drew Anderson said.